If you have been sexually assaulted please contact your nearest Centre Against Sexual Assault. In Victoria, phone 1800 806 292. In the rest of Australia phone 1800 RESPECT

What if a friend has been assaulted?

If a friend tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted
or abused
, it means they’ve chosen you as a trusted person and taken a first step towards healing and getting help.

What you do next and how you react to what they tell you is very important. You will have your own feelings to deal with. You might feel:

Angry

Sad

Confused

Uncomfortable.

You might not know what to say. Be careful - sometimes people laugh without meaning to, when they are nervous or uncomfortable. Try not to let this happen.

You might worry that you can’t support them enough in what they’re going through. Or you might not know where to get help or information.

Your support can make a huge difference to a survivor of sexual assault. You could encourage your friend to call the numbers below. You could sit with your friend when they ring. You can also contact these numbers for more information.

Useful phone numbers

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1800 806 292

Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Unit or Sexual Crimes Squad of the Victoria Police. Call 000 and ask for the unit.